She asked. He said YES. As dog is their witness. A Proposal 2 Years in the Making!

HUGE announcement! She asked. He said yes! The bipeds are engaged! And it only took Mom TWO YEARS to plan this — THIS — perfect moment that took place a few weeks ago during our trip to Prague (September 14th to be exact).

As travel bloggers you knew it would be during a travel spree right? But two years to plan a proposal? I guess it is true what they say: Good things are worth waiting for.

He said yes! And me? I danced!!! (Something I never EVER do!) Photo credit: Sarah Stein for Flytographer.

I know, I know, nearly every single one of you is thinking, “Wait, what … ? They aren’t married already?” They certainly seem married, right? But … umm … nope, they are not married … yet! And in some way, that was intentional. My bipeds are in love, but neither of them is particularly in love with the institution of marriage. Call it a “been there, done that” situation. They were happy with their common law status.

Marriage for Travel?

But … as we travel further afield and start looking at destinations that are not in the West (and even some that are), it has become obvious to the bipeds that their love, respect, and commitment to each other would not be recognized by all nations. As surprising as it may be to some, the rights given to common law partners in Canada are, for the most part, not provided internationally.

And the world isn’t a very feminist place either. To be fair, Mom felt most keenly how excluded she might be from important decisions and moments, depending on where we might have travelled. In fact, I believe the words “The world is not as feminist as you are my love” were in her proposal. But I am getting ahead of myself!

As morbid as the thought might be, Mom was on edge when she thought about the possibility of something happening while travelling. In some countries, they would not qualify as next-of-kin to one another. And no amount of legalese or powers of attorney or other papers would actually change that. International law is a tricky and slippery thing.

So two years ago, when Dad started casually referring to Mom as “his wife” when introducing her to new people, Mom started thinking: “This status quo is not okay. He is the ONLY person I trust with life and death decisions for me. He is the love of my life. If something were to happen … I want to be certain I can be by his side and he by mine!”

So, I guess you could say that travel is behind the reason for an actual wedding. And so the planning started.

And it all started with the ring. Because there had to be a ring!

The Story of the Ring

You see, Dad is a descendent of Alexandre Dumas—the famous author who wrote such thrilling tales as The Three Musketeers and The Count of Montecristo. It is, after all, the reason for my name! Mom always thought that was really neat.

Nearly nine years ago, when the bipeds were courting, Mom asked Dad, “Do you have any regrets?” To her surprise, Dad’s response was, “Yes, actually. When our branch of the family immigrated to the New World, the family signet ring went missing. Maybe sold for passage fee or maybe just lost. I regret never looking up the details and having a new one made for Dad before he died. He would have liked that. I would have liked that.”

All the details! Photo credit: Sarah Stein for Flytographer.

Mom held on to that bit of information, filed away safely as something she might do for him one day. And then, that time came. It was time to sort out Alexandre Dumas’ signet ring.

To make a very long story a little shorter, I will just say that this process took 18 months. It involved La Fondation Dumas and the Paris Archives, looking for any description of the ring. In writing or illustration. They only found a brief description on the original commissioned receipt. The process also involved an old retired Hungarian master jeweller who knew how to fill the gaps and actually make a signet ring “the old way.” Convincing him to do one more was a whole other story! There was a LOT of research, planning, and waiting, but finally … finally, Mom had The Ring in her hands.

Two Years Worth of Planning? Really!

In the meantime, Mom wanted to make sure that the proposal would be a TOTAL surprise. So, as the ring was being meticulously carved by the master jeweller in Vancouver, Mom scheduled our first Flytographer photoshoot.

Hoping that Dad would love the results, and would of his own accord agree to making this a semi-permanent thing when they travel; Mom booked the shoot when we traveled to Dubrovnik. A full year before the actual proposal.

And it worked! Bozo Radik’s photos were amazing and, well, yes, Dad was totally IN! Plus we are now ambassadors for Flytographer. If you book using this link you get $20 off your shoot … AND it puts a little credit into our account with them for our next shoot. Win–Win!

2015 shoot in Dubrovnik. Photo Credit: Bozo Radik for Flytographer.

That is how, a year later, Dad had no idea what was up when Mom casually said, “Oh, we’ve got enough people getting shoots through our link with FLytographer for a location shoot on our next trip. So I booked us a shoot in Prague. It’s such a magical and fairytale-like city. That cool?”

And of course it was. AND since we were attending our friends’ wedding (we were all THREE in the wedding party — stay tuned for that!), for once, the bipeds were packing things like a suit, high heels, and stuff. So again, Dad saw nothing strange when Mom said, “Oh, and let’s dress up for this one, okay? Since for once we will have fancy clothes with us. It will make the shoot extra special, and it will look good when I use them for Montecristo Travels Inc. promotional things.”

Dad simply nodded. None the wiser.

All dressed up. The scene is set. Photo credit: Sarah Stein for Flytographer.

Behind the Scenes with Flytographer!

Meanwhile, Mom was busy with her Flytographer shoot concierge, Caitlin. A flurry of emails was going back and forth trying to find the right photographer for the day. See, Mom is particular — okay, VERY particular — and she isn’t a fan of this new trend of washed out backgrounds in photos. Nope. She likes photos that clearly and sharply show where we are! Otherwise, why bother, right?

Like this. Bold. Sharp. And you know you are at the Lennon Wall in Prague. Photo credit: Sarah Stein for Flytographer.

And so Caitlin was on the hunt. This washed-out trend is an epidemic, Dear Reader. BUT, finally, Caitlin tracked down a winner: Sarah Stein. She is actually a Canadian TOO! That was a little bit of serendipity for us since we love “shopping local.” (And yup, Flytographer IS a Canadian company!) Sarah happened to be in nearby Berlin and, well, here is what she had to say:

“It was a long journey for these two to get to this moment. Two years of planning, and an incredible story of creating a ring with the lost Alexandre Dumas family crest.

They travelled from Canada, I travelled from Canada. I arrived in Berlin and took the train to Prague the next day. All to capture this moment. A surprise proposal at sunrise, by the Charles Bridge, in Prague.

I was jet-lagged and nervous, and hardly slept the night before, but when I met Sonja and Stefan and the charming wee Montecristo, the rest was pure magic. She asked, and he said yes!

Thank you, Flytographer and Montecristo Travels, for trusting me to capture this special moment. It was amazing to be a part of this, with these two incredible people!”

And we thank you, Sarah! For travelling in. For the hour on Skype. For your grace and charm under pressure. For being so utterly lovely, and even learning the little script that would set it all in motion. For not letting it show when we first met that there was more going on than “just a Flytographer shoot.”Thank you most of all for your open heart and magnificent talent. We LOVE our photos. We really, truly, totally do. How could we not?

And Caitlin? Wow. Just no words for all the patience you had in trying to make this work! And your enthusiasm was palpable. I hope your boss knows how much we love you for all you did for us. But reading your words … I think everyone at Flytographer knows how much we love you all.

“I feel so lucky to have had the chance to be a part of this amazing proposal! Sonja is so passionate, and all of that emotion made this proposal one of my absolute favourites. And Sarah captured the moment so beautifully. Between the lighting, the reactions, and sweet little Monte, I can hardly believe this perfect moment really happened!”

Yes, it happened, and ALL the photos are amazing. Photo credit: Sarah Stein for Flytographer.

The Actual Proposal!

So, Dear Reader, the proposal itself went something like this.

We met Sarah at the Charles Bridge at 6:30 a.m. for our sunrise shoot. It is the ONLY way to get the right light AND to avoid the thousands and thousands and thousands of tourists. Key: Act like nothing is up!

And the academy award for best actress goes to … MOM! Photo credit: Sarah Stein for Flytographer.

Yep, even during a photoshoot, we STILL selfied! Photo credit: Sarah Stein for Flytographer.

We even stopped and had a laugh with some lovely — if drunk — Australians who LOVED me and how well dressed the bipeds were so early in the day. Still act like nothing is up.

Australian fans of US! Photo credit: Sarah Stein for Flytographer.

Captured the sun rising over the tower of the Charles Bridge. And then a casual mention (by Sarah) of a secret spot right on the water’s edge that gives a great view of the bridge. Walk there slowly: high heels and cobble stone are not a good combo! Still act like nothing is up!

Sarah: I know you prefer photojournalistic shots but I do think a few posed photos would be really great here if that is okay?

Mom: Yeah, for sure! Where do you want us?

Sarah: Right on the ledge, without falling in! … Yeah, that is good. Maybe move a bit to the left so that black anchor point isn’t in the shot? Yes, there …”

Mom: Can you hold on a moment? I think Montecristo is thirsty.

Sarah: Yes, of course.

That was MY queue! And I played my part perfectly, even taking a drink!

This “thirsty” excuse was the only way Mom could get the box and ring out of her bag without Dad seeing it too soon! And then … well, then this happened.

Dad is a little in denial here. Photo credit: Sarah Stein for Flytographer.

Dad is crying. Mom is telling me it is okay. Photo credit: Sarah Stein for Flytographer.

It hits Dad: This is happening! Photo credit: Sarah Stein for Flytographer.

He says yes!!! Photo credit: Sarah Stein for Flytographer.

I will not share what Mom actually said to Dad. Some things, Dear Reader, should remain private. But it was beautiful. And yes, as you can see, Dad cried. And then … he said yes.

“Of course I will.” All is well with the world. Photo credit: Sarah Stein for Flytographer.

And me — who never goes up on my back legs — I danced for joy (see first pic way above). And then Mom told him all about the ring. And he was just totally overwhelmed.

Mom explaining the long process to get the ring. Photo credit: Sarah Stein for Flytographer.

Dad is overwhelmed! Photo credit: Sarah Stein for Flytographer.

And Sarah? Sarah was there the entire time. Capturing it ALL, yet somehow, never ONCE was intrusive. Not once. I honestly think the bipeds and I forgot she was there. Our silent witness.

These two … 🙂 Photo credit: Sarah Stein for Flytographer.

And then, for another hour or so, after the shakes, tears, and shock wore off a tiny bit and the bipeds were functional again, Sarah followed us about Old Prague as we hiked up to Prague Castle on the hill.

When life imitates art. Under the Charles Bridge. Photo credit: Sarah Stein for Flytographer.

We DID detour to see the Lennon Wall. That bright and colourful ode to the West that came into being during a dark time in Prague.

“Let it be.” Just above their head. Me just watching those two. Photo credit: Sarah Stein for Flytographer.

We enjoyed the slow hike up to the castle. With Sarah behind us…

Prague on the way to the Castle. Photo credit: Sarah Stein for Flytographer.

… or ahead … so all the shots are not from behind …

And of course I am given lots of love. Not being left out! Photo credit: Sarah Stein for Flytographer.

… and captured the grins, the smiles, and the many, many kisses.

SO many kisses. I am, like, “Are we going or what?” Photo credit: Sarah Stein for Flytographer.

We loved walking about the castle and having it to ourselves as the wave of tourists had yet to hit. It was nice to get photos taken with the larger than life perspective!

The bipeds have never done anything “like everyone else.” This role reversal. This later in life “late bloomers” proposal. This long and well thought out moment … I would expect nothing else from these two crazy lovebirds.

Can I just say sometimes I love how much fun these two are … and sometimes I don’t know if I should be embarrassed or not! Posing as statues. Photo credit: Sarah Stein for Flytographer.

Congrats, Mom and Dad. I can’t wait to see what you’ll come up with for a wedding ceremony. One thing I do know? It will be pet-friendly, and it will be totally unique. Just as they are.

Off into the light. Photo credit: Sarah Stein for Flytographer.

She asked. He said yes. As dog is their witness. A proposal 2 years in the making! And so much more.

166 Comments on “She asked. He said YES. As dog is their witness. A Proposal 2 Years in the Making!”

A remarkable story. A truly extraordinary event. A beautiful love story. I did tear up reading this. This was inevitable because your relationship is what true love stories are all about. Congratulations to you all!!

Wow. That was such an amazing account of an amazingly perfect proposal. Love the light. Love the story. Love Montechristo telling the story! So much to love about this. All the best to all three of you! Thanks for sharing this background. Had been wondering how the photog was handled. Perfection.

I’m so happy for all of you. It’s an amazing proposal, maybe you two started something. Women proposing to men. You’re amesome a great phenom and one of a kind dear Sonja ! Stef and Monte are really lucky. Congrats to my favourite trio.

And I kept my mouth shut about it for 2 years! Yay me. I might have mentioned it to Mr. Excitement, but I swore him to secrecy, and he’s so exciting, it didn’t come up. I’m so impressed by how it turned out. Do we have to wait 2 years for the wedding?

What a beautiful story, I got shivers by reading it. Beautiful people, beautiful proposal and what beautiful photos you have to cherish this special occasion in your lives. Congratulations to all three of you!! How thoughtful it was to have the ring made!! Perfection to the max!

Thank you Eva! It was tough not having you there but it worked out luckily! As people start to ask about wedding plans we just keep saying “let us enjoy THIS moment first!” …. but you KNOW you will be part of the wedding experience right??

The three of you. This story. The whole setting. The surprise. The ring. The role reversal. I just absolutely LOVE everything about the whole proposal and mind you, this is coming from somebody who usually doesn’t get teary over things like this. But wow, this post had me bawling happy tears! I’m so happy for the three of you, Sonja you did such a great job with setting the whole thing up and CONGRATULATIONS once again from me and my entire dog pack! 🙂 <3

aw!! thank you Luna and pack! Thank you. It’s been a wonderful two years keeping this all in … but I admit I am glad it’s OUT in the open now! and I am glad it touched you. Not sure why but that made me really grin!

Sonja, your words are honestly so captivating. I am almost crying, this is so beautiful! The photos are of course lovely as well! Congratulations on your engagement and for being such an eloquent writer!

It was one of the most laugh inducing moments. Sarah – our photographer – was laughing so hard she made us re-do just to make sure the photos were ok and not blurry from her shaking laughter. It’s good to let loose!

I. Love. This. Seriously, an amazing story and the photos are exquisite. Monte, you’re a real looker, but those bipeds of yours- those are two stunningly beautiful people. It’s clear where you get your good looks from

Congratulations!
Thank you for sharing this extraordinary proposal!
Loving history and travel myself, My heart skipped a beat with the thought and love that went into the engagement ring and proposal. The photos of the moment that he discovered the Honor,Love and respected of being presented a family signet ring from his Lady. Just breathtaking all away around. I hope the magic of this time in Prague lives in your heats for many lifetimes.
You are such the Romantic <3 Hugs and Kisses to your little family.

Wow Sonja, this is amazing. I love the way you’ve shared this story, it’s just beautiful. It brings me right back to the excitement of that wonderful day! Thank you so much for including me this way! I’m honoured.

Montecristo, you’re so lucky – your humans are the BEST! And you were the cutest witness ever!

My dear Monte,
I was so happy when your mom shared with me her intentions of asking your dad to marry her! It was all the more special that she decided to do that when you three were going to be visiting Prague for our wedding. I know the anguish she went through when the wrong ring came to her the first time around, and I know how nervous she was repeatedly wondering if he’s going to say yes…what if he says no? … he doesn’t believe in the institution of marriage… And I repeatedly said it will be alright! He loves you. Don’t worry.

Your mom even worried that she will forget to pack the ring since it had to be hidden, so your dad doesn’t see it by mistake. So I set up my alarm and texted mom two hours before your departure if she packed everything…and of course she did. 🙂

The recount of this magical moment and what everything led up to it was amazing, Monte, and it made me cry. I especially love the hopeful look on your mom’s face when she awaits your dad’s answer. It tells it all. And your dad’s overwhelming look and tears show his love for her. It is such a fairytale proposal, and I cannot wait what the wedding be like! I’m sure wonderful as you three are.

Thank you our dear dear friend for being a part of all this. One of the very very very few who knew. Thanks for helping to keep mom calm, and hopeful. For repeating over and over “it will all be ok”. And yes for reminding mom to pack the ring! Gosh could you imagine!!??? yikes. You have been a truly great friend to us all … especially by letting us “highjack” your wedding a little. For letting mom use all that as an excuse to be in Prague, a city of utter romance. To be dressed up… because … your wedding! and more. You, Jeremy, Oliver and Chloe are forever in our hearts and a part of this story. We loved being at your wedding and we can’t WAIT to see the photos. Love IS real. I see it with you guys … I see it with the bipeds. It’s … a beautiful thing. ❤️ THANK YOU!

What an amazing journey and telling of the journey! Wishing you all best on your continuing joyous trails! Safe travels! I won’t ask hints on the next chapter or book…. since keeping secrets is a perfected skill on the team☀️

What an incredibly beautiful story, and to plan something for 2 years!! Wow, I can’t even plan for next week. But seriously, how amazing to have documented such a special moment. The pictures are magnificent.

First this gave me chills – then it made me cry!!!!!!! BIG congrats to you! I am so excited for you! I just got engaged in January and I’m getting married on December 29th this year! Such an exciting time. Enjoy every second of it 🙂

What a beautiful story! So unique and special. I love this idea of getting a professional photo shoot while travelling. It sounds like a fantastic way to capture the memory (and totally an idea that I will borrow the next time we travel).

The statue pose is priceless! Okay okay I am fawning all over myself – you have a new fan! First you are the CUTEST pup ever (please do not tell my precious Lyla I said that!) and second your humans are amazing!
I am a HUGE fan of Alexandre Dumas!! Like for real!
Your mom is absolutely gorgeous – love her red hair! And your father is so very handsome indeed!
The photos of your journey are breathtaking and I too love clear crisp color!
I very much enjoyed reading and looking at this post and a big congratulations to your people!
I think your mom is smart to protect both of them on their travels by uniting “legally” so they have rights!
XOX

I don’t think I’ve ever had to scroll down quite so FAR to leave a comment! That’s a testimony to how moving this blog post is. What an incredible story, I loved following along with the drama of the ring and all the secrecy surrounding this wonderful surprise and breathtaking trip. Montecristo, you were positively Brilliant! Wishing you the very best, all three of you!
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

Wowwww… such an amazing love story; makes me want to believe in the existence of true love. Love all the photographs and the entire planning process was just too great. Adorable moments, thanks for sharing this with the world. And Montecristo is just too cute. <3

Congratulations! What a heart warming post (here and on PSN). I wish you two all the best! What a dreamy location and your photographer is awesome. If ever in The Netherlands I promise you two a free shoot (via my daughter at bloesem photography). She is 26 and I find your story so inspiring that I am going to share this with her (I’ll also inform her that I gave a photo session away too 😉 )

Saw your post on PSN (you and I share a tribe!) and had to read your story here. Amazing planning on your part and so wonderful how you honored your beau’s heritage in your extensive efforts to create the ring! Such a sweet story – thank you for sharing! My pup and I salute you!

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Aww, what a genuinely lovely experience, and so special to share it with your dog. After all, your dog is just as important a member of your family as anyone else.
Congratulations on your engagement. Wishing you happiness for years to come!

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